Struktur‐ und magnetochemische Untersuchungen an KCuGaF6

Structural and Magnetochemical Studies on KCuGaF₆ The crystal structure of KCuGaF₆ was determined on the base of X‐ray single crystal data (wR₂ = 0.084 for 2476 independent reflections). The compound crystallizes with a = 728.56(4), b = 989.51(6), c = 676.27(3) pm, β = 93.120(5)°, Z = 4 in space group P2₁/c of the pyrochlore related KCuCrF₆ type. The octahedral coordinations GaF₆] and CuF₆] are slightly resp. strongly distorted (mean values Ga‐F: 188.2 pm resp. Cu‐F: 188.2/200.1/227.6 pm). The longest distances Ga‐F and the shortest ones Cu‐F are found within octahedral chains of these two kinds of atoms, running along 100] and 001], resp., and being mutually bridged as well (M‐F‐M in between 114 and 145°). The magnetic mole susceptibilities measured at powders and at a single crystal follow the isotropic Heisenberg model for S = ¹/₂, if effects of chain disrupture are considered in the form of some paramagnetic portion. No indication of threedimensional magnetic order is observed down to T = 2 K and low magnetic fields H < 100 G. KCuGaF₆ (J/k = —71 K for the powder) is distinguished this way from the chain structure compounds KCuAlF₆ und Na₂CuScF₇ (J/k = —76 resp. —59 K) which were also magnetically studied and yield similar antiferromagnetic exchange constants J/k.